Take a Journey Through Takachiho with 【OSHI NO KO】

Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡).
The view of Manai Falls, seen while paddling a rental boat through the towering cliffs formed by solidified pyroclastic flows, is truly breathtaking.


Takachiho Town is known for its mystical landscapes shaped by mountains and gorges, and for being a “town of mythology” where numerous Japanese myths and legends are preserved. 

One of the most popular attractions is a geological wonder known as the Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡). Visitors can choose between taking a boat ride or walking across the stone footbridge and admiring the waterfalls and natural rock formations from above or below.


The Takachiho Amaterasu Railway (高千穂あまてらす鉄道) is a family-friendly attraction that takes passengers on a scenic ride through Takachiho’s mountainside.

For those interested in Japanese mythology, the sacred cave Amanoyasukawara (天安河原) is where one million gods are said to have gathered and danced to coax the sun goddess, Amaterasu, out of the hiding.

In the evening, guests can experience the traditional Yokagura (夜神楽) dance at Takachiho Shrine’s Kagura Hall, a performance recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

You can enjoy a 30-minute train ride on the Amaterasu Railway’s (あまてらす鉄道) original super cart, following the old Takachiho Railway tracks. Take in the stunning views from the 105-meter-high Takachiho Bridge!

Amanoyasukawara (天安河原), where the gods are believed to have gathered to bring back the sun goddess Amaterasu and restore light to the world, radiates a mystical, almost otherworldly atmosphere that takes your breath away.

Lively Takachiho Yokagura Performance at Takachiho Shrine Kagura Hall.



Takachiho Town, with its one-of-a-kind charm, was depicted as the setting of the series【OSHI NO KO】.

【OSHI NO KO】is a Japanese work by Aka Akasaka (赤坂アカ) and Mengo Yokoyari(横槍メ ンゴ).It began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump (週刊少年ジャンプ) in April 2020 followed by an anime adaptation in 2023. In 2024, the series was adapted into a live-action drama and film. When the highly-anticipated final chapter of 【OSHI NO KO】was released in November 2024, the copies sold surpassed twenty million.

The story follows twin siblings Aqua and Ruby, who are reincarnated as the children of the legendary idol Ai and retain memories from their past lives. With its depiction of the light and dark side of Japan’s entertainment industry, 【OSHI NO KO】has become a global sensation with a dedicated fanbase.

In the “Private life” arc of the anime series, the main characters travel to Takachiho Town to film a music video. During their visit, many iconic locations in the town are faithfully depicted, including the Aratate Shrine (荒立神社), where the characters go to pay their respects to Ame-no-Uzume (天鈿女命), the goddess of entertainment.

A good place to start the self-guided 【OSHI NO KO】Takachiho tour is at Gama-dase Market Ki-hachi no Kura (がまだせ市場鬼八の蔵).
In the anime, the characters meet the video director, Anemone at the market. Here, you can purchase the exclusive “audio guide,” where Ruby and Kana Arima provide a detailed, conversational explanation of Takachiho’s iconic landmarks.
Special items are included with the purchase of the audio guide, which can only be bought at this location. Be sure to stop by the market to grab one before you start your sightseeing!

Purchase benefits for the audio guide: original illustrated postcard, a limited-edition visit map, an A4 clear file, a tote bag, and three glittering badges.


In addition to the audio guide, the market offers a variety of special Oshi no Ko collaboration merchandise, including clear files with original illustrations of the characters backdropped against Takachiho’s scenery acrylic stands featuring cute mini-characters dressed in kagura and divine costumes; and accessory items such as badges or rubber keychains. Customers who spend over 1,000 yen will receive a limited-edition shopping bag.

These original merchandise items and mini-character goods are also available at the Takachiho Roadside Station (高千穂道の駅) and the Takachiho Town Environmental Association’s official store (高千穂町環境協会直営店). Don’t miss the chance to pick them up when you stop by!

You can find different character panels at each merchandise sales location and participating restaurants. Snap a photo with them when you find them!​​​​​

“So many cute items, it’s hard to choose... Let’s grab some merchandise of my favorite ‘oshi’ character!”

Fill out the form with the item numbers and quantities, then hand it to the register staff.
Please follow the purchase limits for each item.


A QR code is available at six locations throughout Takachiho Town. When you download this code, you will be able to listen to the pre-purchased audio guides and learn about the nature, history, and culture of Takachiho by listening to the characters of Ruby and Kana Arima. Press play and you’ll feel as though Ruby and Kana Arima have jumped out of the anime and are joining you on your adventure, bringing an exciting sense of anticipation to your journey! Let’s go!

Simply scan the QR code on the back of the postcard with your smartphone. Using GPS, the system will detect when you’re near a designated spot and prompt you with a notification to play the guide.

Gama-dase Market entrance. This spot served as the model for the location where Aqua and Akane took a photo in Episode 23 of the anime.

Kodono Street (神殿通り), facing Gama-dase Market, is lined with green signs and street lamps.
Let’s walk down the same path as our favorite characters and feel the town’s charm.

Start by visiting Takachiho Shrine (高千穂神社), the head shrine of the Takachiho 88 Shrines, just 6 minutes walk from Gama-dase Market. It’s said that holding hands with your partner and circling the “Meoto Sugi” (husband and wife cedars) three times brings happiness.

When you need a break during your exploration, you can pop into one of the 【OSHI NO KO】 collaboration cafes or souvenir shops downtown. Located just steps from the Torii gate of Amano-Iwato Shrine, “Kissa Kono Hana” (喫茶この花) offers a warm welcome with its charming Japanese house vibe, friendly owner, and mini character panels from【OSHI NO KO】.

At Kissa Kono Hana, you can enjoy a selection of cafe menu items such as specialty coffee, parfaits, and cakes. They also serve dishes such as roast beef bowls and sandwiches. Takachiho Beef is famous for having won first place at the National Wagyu Cattle Competition (the Wagyu Olympics), which makes it a local delicacy visitors might like to try.

At Kissa Kono Hana and three other locations in town (check the official website listed below for details), customers who spend over 1,000 yen will receive a special coaster featuring 【 OSHI NO KO】mini characters dressed in divine or kagura costumes (up to five coasters per person). Each cafe owner will present fans with a basket of coasters that they can randomly select. There are ten total designs, and which character will show up is a surprise.

A shop filled to the brim with Oshi no Ko merchandise.

Having a cafe break alongside acrylic stands of Aqua as Tajikarao-no-Mikoto (手力男命) and Ai as Amaterasu (天照大御神).
The Takachiho Beef roast beef sandwich is a must-try, with its tender texture and rich, savory flavor!

After placing your order or when paying, ask the staff, “Can I have a coaster? Who knows, you might just get your favorite one! I got Sarina and Memcho!​​​​​

The limited edition goshuin books are available at the Takachiho Roadside Station.The goshuin (stamps) can be collected at Takachiho Shrine, Amano-Iwato Shrine, and Aratate Shrine.
Be sure to check it out when visiting the gods of Takachiho.


After a cozy cafe break, let’s visit the place where Aqua and Akane shared an important conversation under the starry sky.

Kunimigaoka (国見ヶ丘), standing 513 meters high, is famous for its breathtaking sea of clouds and panoramic views. On crisp, clear, and windless autumn mornings, mist blankets the Takachiho Basin and surrounding mountains, creating a magical scene that looks like an ink painting. In clear weather, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Five Peaks of Aso to the west and the Sobo Mountain Range to the north. The sight of the sun rising through the mountain gaps is truly mesmerizing.

Take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains while reflecting on Aqua and Akane’s feelings as they share their thoughts.



The perfect way to wrap up your Takachiho tour with 【OSHI NO KO】is by visiting the shrine that houses the goddess of entertainment.
This is the Aratate Shrine (荒立神社), where the main characters visited after filming the “POP IN 2” music video in Episode 24 of the anime, before heading back to Tokyo.

Aratate Shrine (荒立神社) is quietly nestled within a corner of a cedar forest.


Aratate Shrine is believed to be the place where Sarutahiko no Mikoto (猿田彦命), who guided the heavenly descent, and Ame-no-Uzume no Mikoto (天鈿女命), the goddess of entertainment who danced to draw Amaterasu out of the cave, were married and lived. Sarutahiko is known as the god of traffic safety and education, while Ame-no-Uzume is revered as the goddess of music, dance, and performing arts. As mentioned by Anemone in the anime, it is a popular spot often visited secretly by many celebrities.

Within the shrine grounds, you’ll find wooden planks. It is believed to grant wishes if struck firmly seven times with heartfelt intent. Just like MEMcho did in the story, grab a wooden mallet and make your wish as you strike the planks with determination!

The hall of worship is where characters share their thoughts with the gods. Pay your respects to the two great deities from the legends before you leave.



Takachiho Town is filled with historic shrines, power spots with deep roots in Japanese mythology, and stunning natural scenery. Grab a map and explore all that it has to offer. After 6 PM, you might catch glimpses of Ai’s silhouette on a street lamp or illustrations of the characters projected around town. Please have fun to look for them during your visit.


For more details about the collaboration, please visit the official website of the Takachiho Town Tourism Association below.

Takachiho’s Night Kagura (高千穂の夜神楽), designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, is a traditional sacred dance performed to honor the gods. It originated when the goddess Ame-no-Uzume danced to lure Amaterasu out of the Amano-Iwato cave. Passed down for generations, the dance is performed to give thanks for the harvest and pray for future abundance.

At Takachiho Shrine (高千穂神社), four representative dances are performed nightly at 8:00 PM at the Kagura Hall, regardless of the season. Experience this rich cultural tradition every day of the year!

For more information about Yokagura, please check the website below.

The Kyushu Sanko Bus intercity express, “Tokkyu Takachiho-go (特急たかちほ号),” is currently running with a special 【OSHI NO KO】wrap until the end of March 2025. This bus, with a design inspired by Takachiho Town, travels between Kumamoto, Takachiho, and Nobeoka. Passengers who purchase a ticket for the Kumamoto-Takachiho route will receive a commemorative ticket as a gift.
Don’t miss out on this unique experience when traveling to Takachiho!

For more details on the collaboration and the timetable, please check here.